Robert Bell and Sarah J. McIlwain

[Robert B. Croman]

Can anyone tell me about the family of Robert Bell and Sarah Jane McIlwain.   I am following a lead that their son James Alexander Bell might have been my Great grandfather.
From the IGI I have the following information:
James Alexander Bell was born 31 Dec 1864, Presyterian, Brigh, Tyrone, Ireland.   His parents were listed as Robert Bell and Sarah Jane McIlwain.
My great grandfather immigrated to Philadelphia about 1885 and his death certificate has him as born 31 Dec 1866.   The 1900 Phila census has him born April 1, 1862.   There is a James Bell of Tyrone who immigrated from Tyrone on the "Ancloria" from Glasgow to NYC arriving on 8 Sept 1885 listed as age 23.
So as one can see the facts don't exactly match up but are close enough to be at least tantalizing.
Any help would be appreciated.

Many thanks,
Bob Croman
Plano, TX

[aghadowey]

Going through older posts and came across this one. By now you might have been able to find more information but if you haven't done so the following might be of interest.

IGI lists James Alexander Bell born 1864 to Robert and Sarah Jane but also another son: Abraham Courtney Bell born 16 Oct.1864 Stewartstown district, Co. Tyrone.

[NenNen]

don't know if this helps, but Frances Caroline Butcher married Robert Thompson Bell, son of Robert & Sarah J McIlwaine, in 1891 in Qld, Australia.  He died in 1897 & she had her 1st child with his brother Abraham Courtney Bell in 1898.  I haven't found a maariage on any index & suspect they didn't - probably would not have been legal to marry your husband's brother?  they had 5 children in total & Abraham died in Qld in 1926

[kingskerswell]

Hi,
   Have come up with the following which is interestingly close.

From Emerald Ancestors. 23 Jan 1857 Thomas bell married Sarah Jane McIlwaine in Salterstown Presbyterian Church, Parish of Artrea, Magherafelt Co Londonderry. This is close to the Tyrone Border.

From a parent search on IGI. Two children of the above marriage were
1 Apr 1860 Robert Thompson Bell born Brigh Tyrone
11 Nov 1874 Thomas Alexander Bell borh Cookstown Tyrone.

Regards

[NenNen]

Is the marriage of THOMAS to Sarah Jane a typo as when Robert Thomson Bell died in Qld in 1897 his father is given as Robert, not Thomas.
Both these Bell boy's births are on the IGI & that also states their father as Robert. Robert Thomson Bell would appear to share the same grave as his brother Thomas Alexander in Toowong Cemetery, Brisbane.  Burial lists available on line.
I have a total of 6 children for ROBERT Bell & Sarah Jane McIlwaine, from the IGI.
Maybe Sarah J did what her daughter in law did & had brothers for 'husbands'!
My husband's connection is through Frances Caroline Butcher who married Robert Thomson Bell & then after he died had children with his brother Abraham Courtenay Bell

[kingskerswell]

NenNen,
             I have double checked and you are quite correct, For THOMAS please read ROBERT.
However a Parent search on the IGI covering the British Isles only gives the two children already mentioned. Again my apologies for any confusion.

Regards